It was just last summer Apple introduced Mac OS X Lion to the world and now they are getting set to bring the next iteration to their desktop operating system. The new version titled Mountain Lion will continue to borrow it's features inspired by iOS in the iPad.The new version of OS X will be available in the summer of 2012, and Apple plans to continue it's yearly iterations, and we imagine that OS XI (11) will bring a universal operating system for iOS and Mac OS devices similar to what Microsoft has planned for Windows 9.
The following new features will be introduced on OS X (10.8) Mountain Lion
- Messages - Apple introduced iMessages on iOS 5 and that will be reintroduced as Messages. The Messages app will allows you to send unlimited messages to any supported iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or Mac. You can even share any contacts, photos or HD videos. You can start a conversation on your Mac and pick up where your left off on your iOS device.
- Reminders - By bringing Reminders to your Mac you can create to do lists which will be instantly shared with your iOS devices through the iCloud.
- Notes - Notes for Mac OS will allow you to add photos, movies and links. You can even add bullet points, formatted lists and rich text. All these can be synced between your iOS devices through the iCloud.
- Notification Centre - Now you can track all your notification on your mac. This includes emails, messages, calendar events, reminders, system updates and even reminders from third party apps. You can access the Mac notification Centre with a simple swipe.
- Share Sheets - You can share your content as easily as you would share on your iOS device allowing you to post to sites like Twitter, Flicker or Viemo
- Game Center - By bringing Gamer Center to the Mac you can now play against your friends on Mac based games. Invite your friends to play or challenge them from your Mac Game Center.
- Air Play Mirroring - You will be able to share your content from your Mac onto an HDTV thanks to AirPlay Mirroring just as you would on your iOS device
Check out a speak peak of the features described above in the official demonstation video which follows:
It is great to see more and more iOS features find their way to Macs, but I am not sure if charging another $29 for these apps and features is fair. It will be interesting to see if OS X Mountain Lion is offered as a free update for OS X Lion users.